7 Things to Do at Craft Brews at the Zoo

If you’ve already gotten your tickets for Craft Brews at the Zoo, co-hosted with Lou Dog Events, maybe you’re already strategizing how to make the most of the event—which takes place from 7–10 p.m. on Friday, June 28. To start with, consider upgrading your ticket so you have an extra hour for tasting and strolling around the zoo! And then check out these things to do at the zoo after hours.

1. Revel in the natural surroundings at the zoo with a beer in hand.

At Craft Brews at the Zoo, you can enjoy the unique freedom of walking all over the more than 36 acres inside zoo gates while enjoying a diverse selection of craft beers, ciders, and other fun beverages. And, visit your favorite animals along the way!

2. Enjoy the flowers in bloom.

Craft Brews takes place at a wonderful time in Chicago—a week or so after the longest day of the year. That means the sun doesn’t set until 8:30 p.m. Long growing days means beautiful blooms. Find out what’s growing at the zoo’s Garden Explorer site and enjoy the rainbow garden near Nature Boardwalk.

3. Check out the new arrivals!

Lincoln Park Zoo recently welcomed new animals, including African penguin chicks and a Chilean flamingo chick, a lar gibbon named JC, a “flower power” meerkat mob, and even a sapling with the genetic profile of the famous bur oak that stood on the South Lawn and predates the zoo. Just remember: Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo have the option to be behind-the-scenes and some prefer to turn in early. That’s OK—there’s still plenty here to do!

4. Talk with brewers.

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the process of creating beers and ciders, here’s your chance to pick the brains of some of the area’s most exciting brewers! With representatives from regional companies like Revolution Brewing, Three Floyds Brewing, Founders Brewing, and Right Bee Ciders, Craft Brews offers you a sweet opportunity to make connections with more than 40 breweries—so take it!

5. Try out some of Chicago’s most exciting food trucks.

You can enjoy zoo concessions, of course (insiders say the French fries are fantastic here), but Craft Brews welcomes several local food trucks to offer more culinary options! Happy Lobster is known for its Maine lobster with butter and mayo on a burger bun—try the Angry Lobster, with a hot giardiniera and spicy mayo. Pierogi Rig offers delicious Eastern European-style dumplings and Polish sausage. And Sausage Fest offers a variety of high-quality brats, hot dogs, sausages, and more.

6. Ride the Endangered Species Carousel!

One of the best parts of Craft Brews at the Zoo—beyond trying new beverages, of course—is being at the zoo with no crowds around. One thing adults love to do when actual children aren’t around is ride the carousel. Think of it as an easy, low-stakes way of delighting your inner child. It’s free self-care!

7. Take a special, self-guided tour.

Lincoln Park Zoo’s web app at go.lpzoo.org requires no downloading and offers self-guided tours that will help you explore the zoo and discover things you might have missed otherwise. Take a tour of a climate-controlled zoo building and learn all about the animals you’ll see there or take a tour that guides you all over the zoo. Do it on your own time, in your own way—and enjoy!